Homicide investigated in Etowah County

Etowah County authorities this evening are investigating the death of a 22-year-old woman found dead in her car.

The death is being investigated as a homicide, although the cause of death has not been determined, said sheriff's office spokeswoman Natalie Barton.

The body of Nita Michelle Clayborn, of Boaz, was found at approximately 3:50 p.m. today. Her family reported her missing early this morning, Barton said.

The car was found on Whorton Bend Road near the intersection of Alabama 77, according to a statement released by the sheriff's office.

Barton said there have been no arrests.

Clayborn was reported missing today by her mother, who last spoke to Clayborn at approximately 4 p.m. Monday.

Clayborn was last seen at the the Rainbow Food Mart, where she works, Monday at approximately 10:20 p.m.

The Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences, Rainbow City police and fire departments, Etowah County Coroner's Office, District Attorney's Office, FBI and the U.S. Marshal Service are at the crime scene.